O'Sullivan delighted over Leamy reprieve

Last updated at 17:39 08 February 2006

Ireland boss Eddie O'Sullivan declared "justice was done" after Denis Leamy was cleared of stamping on Italy scrum-half Paul Griffen, a decision that allows the Munster number eight to face France on Saturday.

Leamy appeared before a disciplinary hearing at a Heathrow hotel this afternoon after being cited by match commissioner Rob Flockhart for an incident which took place in the 75th minute of Saturday's 26-16 victory over Italy.

The 24-year-old back row appeared to stamp on Griffen at the base of a ruck and although he looked set to repeat the action, he pulled back before connecting.

Upon viewing the video evidence and hearing the player's explanation the independent three-man panel, chaired by Terry Vaux, decided there was no case to answer.

O'Sullivan said: "We are obviously delighted with the outcome of the panel and thought that justice was done. Denis and the rest of the squad can now concentrate on Saturday's game against France."

Anthony Foley, who won the last of his 62 caps against Wales in the 2005 RBS 6 Nations Championship, was on standby to replace Leamy in case he was banned.

Leamy, who will win his eighth cap on Saturday, added: "I'm happy that the whole process is now over and I believe that I received a fair hearing regarding the incident. I can now look forward to this weekend's game and to performing to the best of my ability for Ireland."

Leamy would have faced a ban of between six and 12 weeks had he been found guilty and his availability allows coach Eddie O'Sullivan to field an unchanged side for France.

The 24-year-old has been O'Sullivan's first choice number eight since the November internationals, keeping the more experienced Foley out of the side.

Many feel Foley should be reinstated to the back row, although not at the expense of Leamy who was praised by New Zealand's coaching team following the autumn clash at Lansdowne Road.

Italy had also highlighted an incident involving skipper Brian O'Driscoll during last Saturday's Six Nations opener, claiming the Lions centre had stamped on their hooker Fabio Ongaro.

Flockhart felt no citing was required - in his defence O'Driscoll declared he was only rucking Ongaro off the ball - but did call for Leamy to face the hearing. Scotsman Flockhart is still investigating an accusation of biting made against an Italian player.

Simon Easterby received a wound to his left arm after being bitten late in the match and although he has named the culprit in private, no official announcement over his identity has been made. Flockhart initially had until 3.30pm on Monday to complete his investigation, but a lack of evidence prompted him to take the additional time permitted under new International Rugby Board regulations to review the incident further.